Since the presidency of Ronald Reagan the U.S.A. has backslid terribly on basic human rights and adherence to the rules outlined in the American constitution.
But in one area America is still ahead of much of the rest of the world. Not the very best, but certainly well up near the top.
Sensibly one cannot yell “FIRE” in a crowded theater just as a hoax. And there are other limits on free speech in America.
Jim Lehrer and Robert MacNeil of PBS can interview pretty much whoever they want, and they can say pretty much whatever they want too. If the American people choose to play video games, drink beer, or smoke pot rather than listen these guys, that is their ignorant right. But they should be aware that a well educated electorate is essential in order to maintain a properly functioning democracy. Ignorance breeds totalitarianism.
Free speech is only a dream in China. In fact those ignorant bastards even censored Obama’s inaugural speech!
In parts of South America, Africa, the middle east, the former USSR, and Asia much the same thing applies. You could end up in jail (or disappeared) if you say who the corrupt politicians are. Freedom of speech and a free press /TV are just fond dreams, nothing more.
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